2026 Elections: What the Manifestos Mean for Pet Professionals
With elections approaching in both Wales and Scotland this year, we've taken a detailed look at what the main political parties are proposing when it comes to animal welfare — and what that could mean for those of us who work with animals every day.
This isn't about telling you who to vote for. It's about making sure you have the information you need to make an informed choice. As always, the Animal Focused Alliance's job is to keep you current, competent, and confident — and that means looking at the political landscape as well as the practical one.
Below you'll find an overview of each nation's election picture, how the parties compare, and what the emerging issues are that could shape the future of the pet sector.
Emerging Issue: Exotic Animals and Positive Lists
One area gaining attention across the whole of the UK — driven more by charities than political parties — is the potential introduction of 'positive lists': restricting pet ownership to approved species only. While not a central manifesto this issue is likely to remain part of the wider policy conversation.
Wales: Senedd Election 2026
With the Welsh Senedd elections approaching, animal welfare remains an important area of policy — though it is not a headline campaign issue for any party. Most commitments sit within broader areas such as rural affairs, agriculture, and environmental policy.
What the Parties Broadly Agree On
Across the major parties, there is a consistent thread of support for:
• Maintaining Wales' strong existing animal welfare standards
• Continuing with current licensing and regulatory frameworks
• The ban on greyhound racing, which the Senedd has already voted on — with implementation expected in 2027
• Increasing oversight of rescue and rehoming organisations
Where the Parties Differ
Welsh Labour
Welsh Labour is largely focused on continuing current policy. Key commitments include delivery of the Animal Welfare Plan for Wales, progressing the ban on greyhound racing, introducing compulsory microchipping of cats, strengthening the RSPCA's statutory enforcement powers, and introducing a Pet Abduction Bill.
Plaid Cymru
Plaid Cymru has put forward some of the most detailed animal welfare proposals. They support a science-led Animal Health and Welfare Plan, a new regulatory framework for animal welfare establishments, a potential dog registration or licensing scheme, and legal rights for renters with pets. They also advocate for an independent Veterinary School in Aberystwyth.
Welsh Liberal Democrats
The Welsh Liberal Democrats support strong welfare standards but tend to address these indirectly through environmental and rural policy. Their key focus is on agriculture and wildlife rather than companion animal welfare specifically.
Welsh Conservatives and Reform UK
Both parties place minimal emphasis on companion animal welfare within their manifestos. Animal welfare commitments are largely absent from their key policy platforms.
Plaid Werdd (Green Party of Wales)
The Greens have a heavy focus on agriculture and wildlife but include no specific plans for companion animal welfare.
Regardless of which party forms the next Welsh Government, the current administration has already committed to two phases of further regulatory development that will directly affect the pet sector:
Welsh Regulatory Development — Already Committed:
• Phase 1: Exploring the licensing of animal rescue and rehoming organisations
• Phase 2: Considering the introduction of licensing for dog grooming businesses
These proposals represent a significant potential shift for parts of the sector. Changes in government or political priorities could influence the pace and direction of delivery, but the conversation is already underway.
Scotland: Scottish Parliament Election 2026
Scotland already has a well-established legislative framework, and as a result, the overall direction across the main parties is one of continuity rather than significant reform. For pet professionals, the picture in Scotland is one of stability — but with gradual pressure for improvement.
What the Parties Broadly Agree On
Across the Scottish political landscape, there is general alignment around:
• Maintaining high animal welfare standards
• Supporting the role of advisory bodies and evidence-led policy
• A continued focus on responsible ownership, breeding practices, and oversight of rescue and rehoming organisations
There is also increasing recognition — largely driven by charities and sector bodies — of the importance of prevention, education, and early intervention in improving welfare outcomes.
Where the Parties Differ
Scottish Labour
Scottish Labour's intentions are informed by the Labour Animal Welfare Strategy, released in December. They have also shared views on introducing compulsory microchipping of cats, banning the use of shock collars, and supporting a list of permitted exotic species.
SNP and Scottish Liberal Democrats
Both parties are broadly supportive of animal welfare but place limited direct emphasis on companion animal-specific policy within their manifestos.
Scottish Conservatives and Reform Scotland
These parties include very little detail on domestic animal welfare within their manifestos.
Scottish Greens
The Scottish Greens take a more ethics-led approach, advocating for higher welfare standards overall — including pushing for a ban on shock collars and tougher rules around fireworks.
What Does This Mean for You?
Whether you work in Wales, Scotland, or elsewhere in the UK, the key takeaway is this: animal welfare legislation is moving — slowly in some areas, more quickly in others — and staying informed is one of the most important things you can do for your business.
Key Themes Across Both Nations:
• Continuity is the main theme — neither country is expecting sweeping, immediate reform
• Regulation is creeping forward, particularly around grooming, rescue, and rehoming
• Exotic animal ownership and 'positive lists' will remain a conversation to watch
• Shock collar bans and cat microchipping are gaining cross-party support in Scotland
• Welsh grooming businesses may face licensing requirements in the coming years
Remember:
This article is intended to be factual and impartial.
We're not advocating for any political party — we're advocating for you, and for the animals in your care.
